Zipp NSW & Firecrest
The 2019 Carbon Clincher Wheel Ranges
Always at the forefront of innovation, Zipp continues to deliver new technologies to the premium carbon clincher wheel market. With their 2019 releases, they’ve made two giant leaps forward, as the Showstopper braking surface trickles down to the Firecrest range, and the halo products of the NSW range now feature a tubeless compatible rim profile.
The New Zipp Firecrest Range
The benefits of decades of research and development for Zipp’s NSW wheelsets have now trickled-down to the more affordable Firecrest range. Packed with tried and trusted features, these are a seriously fast option, with a variety of rim depths to suit all riding styles.
AeroBalance is the term Zipp use to describe their class-leading combination of aerodynamics and crosswind stability. This is achieved by two key aerodynamic innovations. The race-proven Firecrest rim profile maintains sectional width further toward the spoke bed, controlling airflow over the back half of the wheel. Meanwhile, Aerodynamic Boundary Layer Control (ABLC) uses dimple technology to force the airflow into a higher energy state, creating turbulence which allows the airflow to stay attached to the rim at higher angles. The dimples are arranged in a sawtooth layout to further reduce yaw and improve crosswind stability.
The most notable upgrade to the new Zipp Firecrest range is the inclusion of the Showstopper braking surface.
Through the 317 grooves on each side of the rim, water is actively ushered away from the braking surface, making braking in the wet extremely effective. This is an exciting development for anyone who lacks confidence while riding their carbon clinchers on rainy days, effectively making the entire range of Firecrests the perfect wheelset in any weather.
The New Zipp NSW Range
Including all the innovations of the Firecrest range, Zipp’s NSW clincher wheelsets enjoy a number of additional benefits that put them at the pinnacle of cutting-edge design. Along with AeroBalance, Sawtooth ABLC dimples and Showstopper braking technologies, the NSW clincher wheelsets now feature an entirely new rim profile that comes tubeless ready.
The leap forward to a tubeless set up provides the rider with an option of running lower tyre pressures without the risk of pinch flats. The NSW range is aerodynamically optimised for use with 25mm tyres, providing a perfect basis for a large, comfortable volume of air. With an effective sealant maintained within the tyre, small punctures are instantly sealed, and the benefit of lower rolling resistance makes this a great option for racing, too.
A supremely versatile option, the new Zipp NSW range can just as easily be set up with regular clincher tyres and innertubes, if the rider prefers.
The new Zipp Firecrest and NSW ranges are both available in three rim depth options.
The 303, at 45mm deep, is famed for conquering the Spring Classics, with a lightweight construction strong enough to gobble up the cobbles.
At 58mm deep, the 404 profile is considered to be the Goldilocks option, hitting the sweet-spot between lightweight performance and aerodynamics.
A fully-fledged aero wheelset, the 808 sits at 82mm deep and is a popular choice among time trialists and triathletes.
First Ride: Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Clincher Wheelset
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